VIP Airliner Conversion
Airbus ACJ320 (A320 Prestige): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ)
Airbus ACJ320 (A320 Prestige): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Airbus ACJ320 (also marketed as A320 Prestige), in production from 1997 to 2019 (with the modernized ACJ320neo succeeding as the current production variant from 2019), is the stretched sibling of the foundational ACJ319 - the A320-based Airbus Corporate Jet offering more interior space than the A319 offers. The ACJ320 is offered as a variant for passengers who want more interior space than the A319 offers (per Wikipedia). The A320 Prestige variant has a passenger capacity of 30, with two removable fuel tanks (vs ACJ319's up to 6 ACTs - the ACJ320 has fewer ACTs due to substantially more space and weight tradeoff considerations). In 2018, the ACJ320 unit cost was $115 million (per Wikipedia, vs ACJ319's $105M, +$10M for the stretched cabin variant). Powered by twin CFM International CFM56-5B or IAE V2500 turbofan engines (same family as ACJ319), the ACJ320 delivers 4,300 nautical miles range (7,800 km), Mach 0.82 max cruise speed (similar to ACJ319), and 41,000 ft service ceiling. The aircraft seats 30 passengers in typical VIP configuration (vs ACJ319's 19) and may be configured to any layout. Like all ACJ family aircraft, the ACJ320 features the widest single-aisle fuselage available, the tallest single-aisle cabin at 7 ft 5 in height, modern Airbus fly-by-wire flight controls, and the industry-distinct single ACJ family pilot type rating covering A318/A319/A320/A321. Today any version of the A320 is available as a corporate jet with a 180-minute ETOPS rating (industry-leading for class). Changes over the passenger versions include an increase in service ceiling to 41,000 ft and the use of a variable number of removable additional fuel tanks. The A320 Prestige variant is positioned for operators wanting substantially more cabin space than ACJ319 (suitable for charter operations, government missions, royal family travel, and larger VIP groups).
For operators wanting Airbus's stretched ACJ family variant with substantially more cabin space than ACJ319 (suitable for 30 passenger VIP configurations), the widest single-aisle fuselage available, the tallest single-aisle cabin (7 ft 5 in height), modern Airbus fly-by-wire flight controls, single ACJ family pilot type rating (A318/A319/A320/A321), 180-minute ETOPS rating, and modular fuel tank capability, the ACJ320 (A320 Prestige) represents the stretched Airbus Corporate Jet for operators valuing cabin volume over maximum range.
Airbus ACJ320 Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | VIP Airliner Conversion |
| Production Status | Discontinued 2019 (succeeded by ACJ320neo from 2019) |
| Designation | Airbus ACJ320 / A320 Prestige / A320CJ |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) |
| Base Platform | Airbus A320 (commercial) |
| Family Heritage | Stretched sibling of ACJ319 (A319-based) |
| Service Entry | 1997 (with broader ACJ family) |
| Production Years | 1997 to 2019 |
| Industry Distinction | Stretched ACJ family variant (more cabin than ACJ319) |
| Industry Distinction | Widest single-aisle fuselage available |
| Industry Distinction | 180-minute ETOPS rating standard |
| Industry Distinction | Single ACJ family pilot type rating (A318/319/320/321) |
| Industry Distinction | Tallest single-aisle cabin (7 ft 5 in) |
| Crew | 2 flight crew minimum (typically 3+ with cabin crew) |
| Passengers (Standard A320 Prestige) | 30 |
| Passengers (Maximum Configurable) | Up to 50+ in different layouts |
| Engines | 2× CFM International CFM56-5B or IAE V2500 turbofans |
| Engine Family | CFM56 / IAE V2500 (commercial A320 family) |
| Auxiliary Fuel Tanks | 2 removable (vs ACJ319's up to 6 ACTs) |
| Avionics | Airbus six-screen EFIS modern flightdeck |
| Avionics Features | Fly-by-wire flight controls, modern LCD displays |
| Connectivity | OnAir integration option |
| Max Range (with 2 removable fuel tanks) | 4,300 nm (7,800 km) |
| Max Cruise Speed | Mach 0.82 (similar to ACJ319) |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft |
| Cabin Length | Substantially stretched vs ACJ319 (vs 78 ft 10 in) |
| Cabin Width | 12 ft 2 in (widest single-aisle) |
| Cabin Height | 7 ft 5 in (tallest single-aisle) |
| Cabin Volume | Substantially larger than ACJ319 (more interior space) |
| ETOPS Rating | 180 minutes (industry-leading for class) |
| 2018 Unit Cost | $115,000,000 |
| Pre-Owned Market | Variable (limited specific data, mid-$40M-$70M range) |
History as the Stretched ACJ Variant
The ACJ320 represents Airbus's strategic decision to offer the A320 commercial platform as a VIP airliner conversion for operators wanting substantially more cabin space than the ACJ319 (A319-based).
Platform timeline:
- 1997: Airbus Corporate Jet introduced (A319-based)
- 1997 onward: A320 Prestige variant offered (more interior space than A319)
- Various: Today any version of the A320 family available as corporate jet
- 2014: Naming convention update (ACJ319 / ACJ320 / ACJ321)
- 2018: ACJ320 unit cost $115M per Wikipedia
- November 16, 2018: ACJ320neo first flight
- January 16, 2019: First ACJ320neo delivered
- 2019: ACJ320 production effectively replaced by ACJ320neo
Why the ACJ320 Is the Mid-Size Stretched ACJ
The ACJ320 introduced focused improvements over the foundational ACJ319 for operators wanting more cabin:
1. Substantially More Interior Space Than ACJ319
The defining ACJ320 advantage:
- A320 platform vs A319: Substantially longer fuselage
- 30 passenger capacity vs ACJ319's 19: Premium positioning
- Modern customization flexibility: Premium
- Premium positioning: Industry-leading
2. Same Widest Single-Aisle Fuselage
- 12 ft 2 in cabin width: Widest single-aisle (same as ACJ319)
- 7 ft 5 in cabin height: Tallest single-aisle (same as ACJ319)
- Premium positioning: Industry-leading
- Modern luxury maximum: Premium
3. Same Reliable Engines + Systems
- CFM56-5B or IAE V2500 engines: Common platform
- Same Airbus fly-by-wire flight controls: Modern
- Same six-screen EFIS flightdeck: Common cockpit
- Single ACJ family pilot type rating: Industry-distinct
4. 180-Minute ETOPS Rating
- Standard on ACJ family: Industry-leading
- Modern operational envelope: Premium positioning
- Modern transoceanic capability: Modern
- Premium positioning: Industry-leading
5. Single ACJ Family Pilot Type Rating
- A318/319/320/321 common rating: Industry-leading operational benefit
- Premium operating economics: Modern
- Modern pilot recruitment: Premium positioning
- Industry-distinct: Premium
6. 2 Removable Fuel Tanks
- vs ACJ319's up to 6 ACTs: Fewer tanks for fewer flight hour requirements
- Substantially more space without tanks: Premium positioning
- Modern operational flexibility: Premium
- Modular system: Industry-distinct
7. Modern Reconfigurable Platform
- Same modern ACJ family flexibility: Premium positioning
- Resale value considerations: Modern
- Modular fuel tank system: Premium positioning
- Industry-leading: Modern
8. Modern Airbus Worldwide Service Network
- Boeing BBJ family alternative: Premium positioning
- Modern reliability: Industry-leading
- Modern parts availability: Premium positioning
Cabin Interior
The ACJ320 cabin features stretched dimensions vs ACJ319 with the same widest single-aisle fuselage:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | Substantially stretched vs ACJ319's 78 ft 10 in |
| Cabin Width | 12 ft 2 in (widest single-aisle) |
| Cabin Height | 7 ft 5 in (tallest single-aisle) |
| Cabin Volume | Substantially larger than ACJ319 |
Standard A320 Prestige Configuration
- 30 Passengers Typical VIP: Premium positioning
- Up to 50+ Configurable: Premium maximum
- Living Areas + Conference Zones: Premium social
- VIP Bedroom Suite With Master Bath: Premium private
- Multiple Bathrooms with Showers: Premium amenities
- Conference Areas: Premium business
- Modern Gourmet Galley: Premium dining
- Premium fit + finish: Industry-leading
Cabin Features
- Substantially more cabin volume than ACJ319: Industry-leading
- Widest single-aisle fuselage: 12 ft 2 in
- Tallest single-aisle cabin: 7 ft 5 in height
- Premium customization potential: Industry-leading
- 30-passenger typical VIP configuration: Premium
- Modern Airbus fly-by-wire flight controls: Premium positioning
- Premium fit + finish: Industry-leading
- Modern entertainment options: Standard
- High-speed connectivity: Custom retrofit
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | Mach 0.82 |
| Max Range (2 removable fuel tanks) | 4,300 nm (7,800 km) |
| Max Range (Full Passenger) | 4,200 nm with full passengers |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft |
Runway Performance
| Field Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Takeoff Distance (Sea Level) | Similar to commercial A320 (heavier due to VIP outfit) |
| Landing Distance | Modern |
| 180-Minute ETOPS Rating | Standard |
Typical Mission Examples
- New York to London (~3,000 nm) - non-stop very comfortable
- Los Angeles to Tokyo (~4,800 nm) - exceeds range with full pax
- Coast-to-coast U.S.: Workhorse capability
- London to Dubai (~3,400 nm) - non-stop comfortable
- Multi-leg European business: Premium positioning
Engines
Two CFM International CFM56-5B or IAE V2500 turbofan engines (same as ACJ319, customer choice from commercial A320 family).
Key features:
- CFM56-5B family: Modern commercial proven
- IAE V2500 family: Modern alternative
- Industry-leading reliability: Commercial-proven
- Modern thrust class: Premium positioning
- Modern environmental compliance: Standard
- Commercial A320 heritage: Established
Avionics
Airbus six-screen EFIS modern flightdeck (same as ACJ319):
- Airbus fly-by-wire flight controls: Industry-leading
- Modern LCD displays: Premium integration
- Modern flight management: Integrated
- Modern weather radar: Standard
- TCAS, EGPWS: Standard
- Single ACJ family pilot type rating: Industry distinction
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel | $4,500 to $5,400 |
| Engine Service Program | $520 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $3,200 |
| Insurance + Hangar | $1,200 |
| Crew | $1,800 |
| Other Variable | $800 |
| Total Direct Operating Cost (Estimated) | ~$13,500 to $16,500/hr |
Annual operating budget at 250 hours: $3.4M-$4.1M. Annual operating budget at 800 hours: $10.8M-$13.2M.
Pricing
| Year Range | Price |
|---|---|
| 2015 to 2019 ACJ320 (Late Production) | $55,000,000 to $95,000,000 |
| 2008 to 2014 ACJ320 | $35,000,000 to $65,000,000 |
| 2018 Unit Cost (per Wikipedia) | $115,000,000 |
| Pre-Owned Market | Mid-$40M-$70M range (varies dramatically) |
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- VIP / Heads of State Operators: Premium positioning
- Step-Up From ACJ319: Substantially more cabin
- Royal Family Operators: Premium diplomatic
- Corporate Charter Operators: Premium positioning
- Government Operators: Premium diplomatic
- Operators Valuing 30 Passenger Capacity: Premium maximum
- Operators Valuing Substantially More Cabin Space: vs ACJ319
- Multi-Generational Operators: Premium flexibility
Less suited if:
- You require maximum range (consider ACJ319 with 6 ACTs, ACJ319neo, or ACJ350)
- You require purpose-built bizjet performance
- You require single-pilot certification (not certified)
- You want current production aircraft (consider ACJ320neo)
- You need lowest acquisition cost (consider used BBJ family)
Pros and Cons
What the ACJ320 Does Well
- 4,300 nm range with 2 removable fuel tanks
- Mach 0.82 max cruise
- 41,000 ft service ceiling
- CFM56-5B or IAE V2500 engines
- 30 passengers typical (substantially more than ACJ319's 19)
- Substantially larger cabin than ACJ319
- 12 ft 2 in cabin width (widest single-aisle)
- 7 ft 5 in cabin height (tallest single-aisle)
- Premium customization potential
- VIP bedroom suite with master bath + shower
- Conference areas + lounges + dining
- 180-minute ETOPS rating standard
- Modern Airbus fly-by-wire flight controls
- Single ACJ family pilot type rating (A318/319/320/321)
- Premium fit + finish
- 2 removable fuel tanks (modular)
- Modern operational versatility
- Modern reconfigurable platform
- Airbus worldwide service network
- Modern luxury maximum
- Multiple zones standard
- Premium positioning vs ACJ319
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Production ended 2019 (replaced by ACJ320neo)
- Range less than ACJ319 (4,300 vs 6,000 nm with maximum tanks)
- 2018 unit cost $115M substantial
- ~$13,500-$16,500/hr operating cost substantial
- Twin-pilot mandated
- Substantial hangar requirements
- Heavier than purpose-built bizjets
- Less range than ACJ319 due to fewer ACTs
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the ACJ320 different from the ACJ319?
The ACJ320 (A320-based, stretched) is the larger sibling of the ACJ319 (A319-based, shorter). Key differences: ACJ320 has substantially larger cabin (longer A320 fuselage), 30 passenger capacity (vs ACJ319's 19 typical), substantially less range (4,300 nm vs ACJ319's 6,000 nm with full ACT complement) due to fewer auxiliary tanks (2 vs up to 6 ACTs). The ACJ319 is positioned for range-critical missions; ACJ320 (A320 Prestige) for cabin-critical missions. 2018 unit cost: $115M (ACJ320) vs $105M (ACJ319).
How is the ACJ320 different from the ACJ320neo?
The ACJ320neo (introduced 2019) is the modern engine option variant of the ACJ320. Key improvements: more efficient CFM LEAP-1A or Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines (vs ACJ320's CFM56-5B or V2500), 6,000 nm range vs ACJ320's 4,300 nm (substantial range increase), sharklet wingtip devices, 6,400 ft cabin altitude, modern environmental compliance. The ACJ320neo represents substantial modernization.
How is the ACJ320 different from the BBJ2?
The ACJ320 (A320-based) and BBJ2 (737-800-based) are both stretched VIP airliner conversion variants. Key differences: ACJ320 has wider single-aisle cabin (12 ft 2 in vs BBJ2's 11 ft 7 in), taller cabin (7 ft 5 in vs BBJ2's 7 ft 1 in), Airbus fly-by-wire vs Boeing yoke control. Both achieve different range characteristics depending on auxiliary tank configurations.
How is the ACJ320 different from the ACJ321?
The ACJ321 (A321-based) is the largest single-aisle Airbus Corporate Jet variant - the longest narrow-body. Key differences: ACJ321 has even larger cabin than ACJ320 (longest single-aisle narrow-body in production), passenger capacity up to 50+, full passenger range 4,200 nm. The ACJ321LR variant has 8,175 nm range (the longest range of any narrowbody plane per Wikipedia).
How far can an ACJ320 fly?
The ACJ320 has a range of 4,300 nautical miles (7,800 km) with 2 removable fuel tanks. With full passengers, range is approximately 4,200 nm. Routes like New York to London, London to Dubai, and coast-to-coast U.S. are non-stop comfortable.
What engines power the ACJ320?
Two CFM International CFM56-5B or IAE V2500 turbofan engines (same family as ACJ319, customer choice from commercial A320 family).
Is the ACJ320 still in production?
No. The ACJ320 production was effectively replaced by the ACJ320neo from 2019. The ACJ320neo offers more efficient CFM LEAP-1A or Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines and substantially extended range (6,000 nm vs ACJ320's 4,300 nm).
What's the A320 Prestige?
A320 Prestige is the marketing variant designation for the ACJ320 - the variant offered for passengers who want more interior space than the A319 offers. It has a passenger capacity of 30 with two removable fuel tanks. This variant emphasizes the substantially more cabin space of the A320-based platform compared to the A319-based ACJ319.
What's the 180-minute ETOPS rating?
ETOPS (Extended Operations) certification is the FAA's authorization for twin-engine aircraft to fly routes over water or remote areas farther from emergency landing airports. The ACJ family has 180-minute ETOPS rating standard - meaning the aircraft can fly up to 180 minutes from the nearest emergency landing airport at any time. This is industry-leading for VIP airliner operations and modern transoceanic capability.
The Bottom Line
The Airbus ACJ320 (A320 Prestige) represents Airbus's strategic stretched A320-based VIP airliner conversion - the larger sibling of the foundational ACJ319 (A319-based) offering substantially more interior space than the A319 variant. With substantial industry-leading capabilities (A320 platform providing substantially more cabin space than ACJ319's A319 platform, 30 passenger typical capacity vs ACJ319's 19, same industry-leading widest single-aisle fuselage at 12 ft 2 in cabin width, same industry-leading tallest single-aisle cabin at 7 ft 5 in height, same modern Airbus fly-by-wire flight controls, same industry-distinct single ACJ family pilot type rating covering A318/A319/A320/A321 for industry-leading operating economics, 180-minute ETOPS rating standard, 2 removable fuel tanks providing 4,300 nm range), the ACJ320 delivered Airbus's stretched VIP airliner. Twin CFM International CFM56-5B or IAE V2500 turbofan engines (same as ACJ319, customer choice from commercial A320 family) provide modern commercial-proven reliability. The Airbus six-screen EFIS modern flightdeck features fly-by-wire flight controls, modern LCD displays, modern flight management, modern weather radar, TCAS, EGPWS. Today any version of the A320 family is available as a corporate jet with 180-minute ETOPS rating standard. Standard A320 Prestige configuration features 30 passengers with VIP bedroom suite + master bath + multiple bathrooms with showers + conference areas + lounges + dining + premium gourmet galley. Direct operating cost estimated $13,500-$16,500/hr. 2018 unit cost was $115 million (per Wikipedia, +$10M premium over ACJ319's $105M for the stretched cabin variant). Pre-owned market: mid-$40M-$70M range depending on year, condition, completion. Production was effectively replaced by the ACJ320neo from 2019, which offers more efficient CFM LEAP-1A or Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines and substantially extended range (6,000 nm vs ACJ320's 4,300 nm). The ACJ320neo first flight was November 16, 2018, with first delivery to an initial customer on January 16, 2019. Airbus worldwide service network continues to support the ACJ320 platform globally.
Quantum Jets supports the platform across private jet charter, private jet rental, private jet card programs, aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, and aircraft leasing structures.
Talk to a Quantum Jets broker for ACJ320 market intelligence and pre-buy diligence.
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Related Aircraft Guides:
- Airbus ACJ319: Smaller Sister (A319-based, Range-Critical Variant)
- Airbus ACJ320neo: Direct Successor (Current Production from 2019)
- Airbus ACJ319neo: Smaller Modern Sibling (Current Production from 2019)
- Airbus ACJ321 / ACJ321LR: Larger Sibling (A321-based, Longest Narrowbody Range)
- Airbus ACJ TwoTwenty: Newer Smaller Sibling (A220-100-based, 2023-Present)
- Airbus ACJ350: Larger Long-Range Composite VIP (A350-based)
- Boeing BBJ2: Direct Twin-Engine Competitor (737-800-based)
- Boeing BBJ MAX 8: Modern Direct Competitor (737 MAX 8-derived)
Production of the Airbus ACJ320 ended 2019, replaced by ACJ320neo. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Airbus provides worldwide parts/support. Specifications accurate as of 2026.